Hoffenheim and VfB Stuttgart interested in Southampton’s Armel Bella Kotchap | OneFootball

Fabrizio Romano and Bild both report that Hoffenheim and VfB Stuttgart are interested in Southampton and former Bochum defender Armel Bella Kotchap.

The Italian journalist states that both have shown an interest in Bella Kotchap but neither have made first contact with Southampton. While the German tabloid states that Stuttgart has already held initial talks with the 22-year-old.

For Stuttgart, Bella-Kotchap is one of many options as head coach Sebastian Hoeneß looks for a right-footed central defender, who preferably has Bundesliga experience. A profile Bella-Kotchap fits as he spent one season with Bochum in Germany’s premier league. Other options for Stuttgart are Oumar Solet of RB Salzburg as well as Warmed Omari of Rennes.

Stuttgart have lost two key centre-backs this summer Waldemar Anton (Borussia Dortmund) and Hiroki Ito (Bayern Munich) and a move to the MHP Arena could give Bella-Kotchap the opportunity to once again play Champions League football.

Bella Kotchap only spent one season at Southampton before they were relegated from the Premier League and the 22 year old would move to PSV Eindhoven but only played six times for the senior side as his time in the Netherlands was marred by injuries.

GGFN | Jack Meenan